In Sudan, Amal Habbani, the editor of the column Tiny Issues in Ajrass Al Horreya (Freedom Bells) newspaper, if being fined US$400,000 after she wrote an article on July 12 supporting her colleague Lubna Al Hussein. Hussein was recently tried for sensational dress. Both she and Habbani argue that this prosecution is an oppression of women.
In Zimbabwe a freelance photojournalist and 15 members of the Movement for Democratic Change – Tsvangirai, have filed a lawsuit with the High Court demanding compensation in the amount of US $19.2 million ($1.2 million each) following their illegal detainments and alleged torture. Read more here
US President Barack Obama has called upon the Cuban government to free all of its political prisoners. The US President issued the statement while maintaining that he would like closer US-Cuban relations in the future if the communist country takes steps towards democracy. Read more here
German prosecutors have decided to take no action against an artist who created a garden gnome raising its right arm in a Nazi salute. They say the gold-painted gnome was mocking the Nazis rather than promoting their return. However, the prosecutors in Nuremburg, warned against any attempt to copy the idea behind the exhibit. Read more here